Wealth Planning in the U.S.: Insights from Raoul Celerier (Cerity Partners)
Raoul Celerier, Partner/Wealth Advisor at Cerity Partners, shares his insights on navigating the complexities of cross-border wealth management and supporting clients who live, invest, and transition between the U.S. and Europe. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, he discusses the growing need for tailored financial strategies, the impact of shifting global dynamics, and the importance of coordinated planning for internationally mobile families, executives, and entrepreneurs.
Q: You’ve been in wealth management for more than twenty years. What’s your mission today as Partner/Wealth Advisor at Cerity Partners?
A: It has been a fascinating last 20 years in Wealth management with massive on-going transformation. The emergence of digital platforms offering virtual meetings, 24/7 mobile apps, automated algorithm driven portfolio have improved the client experience while the focus has expanded beyond just investment management to comprehensive financial planning, including tax optimization, estate planning, insurance, philanthropy, and even lifestyle coaching. My mission is to use all the experience accumulated over multi decades of work and life to provide clients with personalized financial advice and inspire them to envision and plan for a life of growth.
Q: Many of your clients live between the U.S. and Europe. What makes cross-border wealth management tricky and how do you make it easier for them?
A: The attraction of Europe as a destination to visit and live continues to grow exponentially as the high cost of living in the US is making it very attractive. Cross-border wealth management between the U.S. and Europe is genuinely complex. Here are the major challenges and practical solutions: Tax Complexity – The Biggest Headache The U.S. is one of the few countries that taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. European residents face double taxation risks, navigating both U.S. tax obligations and their country of residence’s tax system. Tax treaties help but don’t eliminate the complexity. You need
This blog post is based on an article from the February 2026 issue of the French-American Chamber of Commerce, Texas, business magazine.